Boston approves ban on smoking in city-run parks

The Boston Parks and Recreation Commission has approved a ban on smoking in city-run parks.

The ban approved Monday takes effect immediately and applies to tobacco, marijuana and other "lighted or vaporized" substances. Violators face a fine of up to $250.

The ban covers the 251 parks, squares, cemeteries and other spaces run by the Parks and Recreation Department, including Boston Common, the Public Garden and Franklin Park.

The City Council approved the measure last month.

Commission spokeswoman Jacque Goddard tells The Boston Globe (b.globe.com/19Y5Hok ) the Parks Department and others will launch an advertising campaign to alert people to the law.

New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles are among other large U.S. cities with similar bans.